Widener Professor Honored as a Distinguished Professional Psychologist

The National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP) honored
the late Dr. Patricia Bricklin, a previous professor in the Institute of Graduate
Clinical Psychology at Widener University, as a Distinguished Professional Psychologist
in January.

Bricklin, who passed away in December 2010, received the award for her "outstanding
lifetime contributions as a pioneer, educator, program leader, advocate, and visionary."
She was the first woman to receive the award.

Dr. Linda Knauss, professor of clinical psychology at Widener, accepted the award
on her behalf. "It was an honor and a privilege to know and work with Pat Bricklin,"
she said. "I cannot imagine anyone being more deserving of the NCSPP Distinguished
Psychologist Award. Pat truly embodied the qualities of a distinguished psychologist."

Bricklin was the second psychologist to be licensed in Pennsylvania. During her time
practicing she became very involved in the field, serving as chair of the licensing
board, chair of the American Psychological Association Insurance Trust, and president
of the Philadelphia Society of Clinical Psychologists, Association of State and Provincial
Psychology Boards, Pennsylvania Psychological Association, and NCSPP.

An internationally renowned ethicist, Bricklin was known for her involvement in the
field; however, her most valuable accomplishments were less visible. Bricklin spent
countless hours providing pro bono ethical and risk management consultations to psychologists
all over the state of Pennsylvania and even the country. She also continuously advocated
for children. She founded the School Psychology Certification track at Widener University,
which at the time was unique in its integration of school and clinical psychology.

According to Knauss, one of Bricklin's most notable characteristics was her humility.
"Pat truly cared about others. She led by example and created a culture of collaboration
in any setting she was in. She was not only an advocate for the profession of psychology,
but also for her family, friends, and doing what was right."

Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to
social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal
attention, and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience.
A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is comprised of eight schools
and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional
curricula leading to associate's, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. The
university's campuses in Chester, Exton, and Harrisburg, Pa., and Wilmington, Del.,
serve some 6,700 students. Visit the university website, www.widener.edu.

###

Difference makers

Difference makers

At the Health AnnexLynn Freda, a nurse and graduate student in Widener's Family Nurse Practitioner master's program, talks about her experiences working with Dr. Shirlee Drayton-Brooks, associate professor at the School of Nursing.

Difference makers

Dr. Marina BarnettDr. Marina Barnett, associate professor in the Center for Social Work Education, talks about the leadership qualities she sees in her students. Also, Dr. Barnett gives an amazing Widener rallying cry. Check it out!